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Electronically Translated Text

Big and enthusiastic crowds at the opening Association matches last Satur- day augur well for League thrills, which begin this week-end. It should be a sparkling season. Most clubs hav e isnucd Junior members' tickets, and it is safe j to say that among the 100,000 spec-

tators expected at the sit League matches there will be many schoolboys.

Unlike cricket, where many boys in their middle 'teens are Included in senior ranks football has not much room for Juniors The game is too strenuous and too hard and, unless the intending League playei has physique above his j ears he is usually advised bj club officials to play in a com- petition for young players of his own i age

I There has been one brilliant exception Desmond Fothergill, the Collingwood rover gaining a place In senior football before he had celebrated his 17th birthday He will begin his third season on Satuiday As he is also one of the best pennant cricketers he may reach higher rank soon Pannam, another Collingwood champion, also began at 17 years, and Albert Collier who began in 1925. had his first game at 16

It is said that the youngest player ever to gain a place in a League team was Mick Maguire, who was aged 14 years when he played for Richmond That was some years ago as is evident by the fact that his daughter. Mary, has since gained fame as a ' mov le" actress Maguire was later a boxing champion

South Melbourne has Included on Its senior list Don Traynor who is also aged only 17 years He is a rover well built and active, and Is regarded as certain to play senior football Last j ear he played in the Melbourne Boys' League, which plays Its matches as "curtain rakers" toi League games